Republican: A Christian Fundamentalists Definition

[Another one from Preston]

A commentary on Illinois Republican Senatorial candidate Alan Keyes' website (www.keyes2004.com) demonstrates how the Christian Right does not understand the concept of a political party. According to Conservative columnist, Scott Thomas, the reason some Republicans are voting against Alan Keyes is because they are embarrassed by his blunt style. Says Thomas:

"Being embarrassed by headlines, like the one that connects selfish hedonist homosexuality to the Vice President's daughter, appears to allow you to justify, in your mind, voting for Barack Obama who has promised to work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act."

Thomas is referencing a Chicago Tribune voters' poll that says 35 percent of Republicans will be voting for Democrat Barack Obama. Says Thomas:

"I can only conclude that these 35% are, in fact, embarrassed by Alan Keyes' honesty and bold style. Sadly, it would appear that embarrassment has more political influence than does a candidate's stance on issues."

Thomas, apparently, believes that all Republicans are Fundamentalist Christians or at least social conservatives. This insight into the mind of the Christian Right demonstrates their skewed definition of Republican. It is a definition devoid of the philosophical diversity that exists within the Republican Party in 2004. Groups such as the Log Cabin Republicans, Republicans for Choice, and the United Republican Network are gaining members and shining light on a silent majority of moderate Republicans. These Republicans believe in the core ideals of Republicanism: individual choice, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and small government.

Why does the Christian Right insist on dividing the party of Lincoln? Probably because they have replaced the core ideals of Republicanism with an imposed code of morality based on their interpretation of the Christian Bible. Why not rename the party the Christian Party? If only Max Weber were still alive! Of course, the early Christian church was an operation based more in communism than capitalism, so some modification may be in order. (Remember what happened to Ananias and his wife when they lied about giving all their money, having liquidated their assets, to the community.-Acts 5).

Republicans were once the great defenders of individual liberty in the face of big government, conservative Democrats. The reason 35% of Republicans are voting against Dr. Keyes has less to do with embarrassment and more to do with disagreement. Not all Republicans believe that Cheney's daughter is a "selfish hedonist" because she is a lesbian. Not all Republicans are Christians-some are Jewish and some are even Atheists. When the party remembers its roots, we will be successful. When the party loses faith in the judgment of the individual and expands the government, we will lose.

[A Nickels Worth: It's not a good idea to mess with Dick Cheney or his family, Dr. Keyes. The guy used to run Halliburton and he's still the Vice President, you know...]